Landscaping Industry Overview
Market Size and Revenue
The landscaping industry has experienced substantial growth over the years. The global landscaping market generated $114.6 billion in revenue in 2021[1], while the market size of landscaping services in the U.S. alone totaled almost $130 billion in 2022[2]. Industry revenue growth has been steady, with an average annual increase of 4.2% between 2017 and 2022[3].
Residential and Commercial Landscaping
Both residential and commercial landscaping contribute substantially to the industry’s revenue. Residential landscaping focuses on lawn care, design, installation, and maintenance services for private homes, while commercial landscaping caters to businesses, municipal properties, and other large-scale clients.
The pandemic has impacted the landscaping industry, with many businesses working hard to be deemed “essential” during COVID-related restrictions. As a result, the industry’s outlook has been positive, with optimism heading into 2021[4].
Employment and Wages
The U.S. landscaping industry currently comprises more than 621,733 landscaping and lawn maintenance businesses[1], providing employment opportunities for many workers. However, the industry has faced labor shortages in recent years, partly attributed to a decrease in interest among millennials.
Wages and compensation within the industry vary greatly, depending on the role and the size of the company. Larger companies tend to offer more competitive wages and benefits packages to attract and retain skilled workers.
Regional Analysis
Leading States in Landscaping
According to the NALP[5], landscaping is a significant industry in the United States, with a market size of $129 billion in 2022. Here are some of the top states in terms of market share and employment:
- California: With its diverse climate and extensive real estate market, California has a substantial portion of the US landscaping industry.
- New York: Known for its urban environment, New York sees high demand for residential and commercial landscaping services.
- Florida: Due to its warm climate and growth in housing and commercial real estate, Florida is a significant contributor to the landscaping industry.
Industry Demand and Trends per Region
U.S
The landscaping industry in the United States has been expanding, with a large impact on several regions. Some trends and demands within the industry include:
Region | Trends |
---|---|
East Coast | Sustainable landscaping, stormwater management, native plants. |
West Coast | Drought-tolerant landscaping, water-efficient irrigation systems, xeriscaping. |
Midwest | Low-maintenance landscapes, outdoor living spaces, pollinator-friendly gardens. |
California
In California, water conservation plays a significant role in landscaping trends. Many property owners opt for drought-tolerant plants, xeriscaping, and efficient irrigation systems. Additionally, there is a growing focus on incorporating sustainable materials and native plants into designs.
New York
New York’s landscaping market caters to the densely populated urban environment. Here, rooftop gardens, vertical gardens, and urban green spaces are in high demand, providing numerous benefits ranging from aesthetics to mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Florida
In Florida, due to the warm climate, outdoor living spaces are a popular trend. Homeowners and businesses alike invest in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas, often featuring native plants that can thrive in the subtropical climate. Additionally, stormwater management is crucial for many properties due to frequent rainfalls and flooding concerns.
Trends and Challenges
Pandemic Impact on Landscaping Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the landscape industry. Since the beginning of the pandemic, companies have had to adapt to various challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and health concerns. Despite these challenges, the industry has seen increased demand for outdoor spaces and home improvement projects.
Labor Shortage and Quality Issues
One major challenge facing the landscaping market is the labor shortage. As a result of the pandemic, many workers have been unavailable or have chosen to seek employment in other industries. This labor shortage has led to concerns over the quality of the work being done, as companies may struggle to find skilled and experienced staff to complete jobs[6].
Growth of Millennials in Landscaping
The landscaping industry is seeing a shift in demographics, as more millennials enter the field. Many millennials are seeking jobs that offer flexibility and opportunities for creative expression, making landscaping an attractive career choice. This influx of younger workers can bring new expertise, ideas, and energy to the industry, while also driving technological advancements and innovation.
Supply Chain Issues
The pandemic has greatly impacted the global supply chain, and the landscaping market is no exception. Companies may experience difficulty sourcing materials and products, leading to increased costs and project delays. To address these challenges, some businesses have been exploring alternative suppliers or locally-sourced materials, while others have begun to stockpile resources when available. However, this requires careful planning and increased investment in inventory management.
To navigate these various trends and challenges, landscaping companies must adapt and remain nimble. By staying up to date on industry developments, addressing labor shortages, embracing new demographics and expertise, and finding creative solutions to supply chain challenges, the landscape industry can continue to thrive and grow.
Types of Landscaping Services
Lawn Care and Maintenance
Lawn care and maintenance are essential aspects of landscaping services. These tasks ensure the health and beauty of outdoor spaces. Some of the primary lawn care services include:
- Lawn mowing services: Regular mowing helps maintain the proper height and growth of grass.
- Lawn aeration: Aeration promotes healthy grass growth by allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots.
- Dethatching: Removing dead grass and debris from the lawn allows for better airflow and healthier growth.
Gardening Services
Gardening services include a variety of activities aimed at maintaining and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces. Some of the popular gardening services are:
- Mulching: Applying mulch in garden beds helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
- Pruning: Regular pruning of trees and shrubs keeps them manageable, maintains their shape, and encourages healthy growth.
- Spring maintenance: This includes cleaning up debris, redefining bed edges, and preparing the soil for planting.
Landscape Management and Design
Landscape management and design focus on planning, constructing, and maintaining outdoor spaces. These services often involve experts like landscape architects and designers. Key components of landscape management and design include:
- Landscape design services: Professionals plan and create the layout for gardens, walkways, water features, and other elements.
- Hardscaping: This involves the construction of non-living elements in a landscape, such as patios, retaining walls, and pathways.
- Softscaping: Softscaping refers to the planting and maintenance of living elements in a landscape, like trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals[5] reports that the landscape services industry has a market size of $129 billion in 2022, employing over 1.2 million people in the United States. These services play a crucial role in preserving the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties.
Industry Growth and Forecasts
Single-family Residential Homes Landscape Market
The landscape services industry has a market size of $129 billion in 2022[5]. Within this market, single-family residential homes constitute a significant portion. As more people invest in enhancing their home’s curb appeal and outdoor living spaces, the demand for landscaping services for single-family homes continues to rise.
Factors contributing to the growth of single-family residential landscape market include:
- An increase in new construction
- Homeowners’ desire to improve their outdoor living spaces
- The growth of smart home technology prompting innovative landscape designs
These factors, combined with the overall growth in the landscaping industry, lead to a positive outlook for the single-family residential homes landscape market.
Annual Landscape Industry Growth
For the overall landscape industry, official statistics[5] show that it employed over 1.2 million people and included 633,481 landscaping service businesses in 2022.
The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the landscape industry is expected to be 6.4% from 2023 to 2030[8]. Economic factors such as increasing disposable income, regional population growth, and a focus on sustainable practices contribute to the industry’s growth.
Here are some key points to consider for annual landscape industry growth:
- Emerging trends in landscape design and services
- Adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable practices
- Technological advancements in equipment and techniques
With these factors in play, the landscape industry exhibits strong potential for growth, benefiting both local businesses and the national economy.
Managing the Landscape Workforce
Hourly Wage and Benefits
The landscape industry offers competitive hourly wages and benefits to attract and retain talent. Wages in the industry are subject to regional variations and can also depend on factors such as company size and the level of experience in that role. Providing attractive benefits packages can also play a crucial role in employee retention and improving overall job satisfaction.
Number of Employees
The landscape industry accounts for a significant number of employees, though the exact number may vary by region and market size. It is important for landscape companies to maintain an adequate workforce to meet the demands of their clients, and to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Demand for Skilled Labor
The demand for skilled labor in the landscape industry is at an all-time high, with the Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program[7] launched in 2019 focusing on the skills needed by landscape technicians in maintenance, installation, and irrigation. This program requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as a minimum of 144 hours of classroom or online coursework.
Companies are on a constant lookout for qualified and skilled workers to meet the industry’s ever-growing demand. To maintain a high-quality workforce, it is necessary to provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enable employees to stay abreast of new technologies, equipment, and landscape techniques. Effective communication between management and employees is essential to keep them informed and motivated.
The landscape industry’s demand for skilled labor highlights the importance of investing in current and future employees to ensure a sustainable workforce. Companies can reap dividends by providing training, competitive wages, and benefits packages that help to attract and retain highly skilled labor.
References
- Get Jobber [https://getjobber.com/academy/lawn-care/lawn-landscaping-industry-statistics/]
- Statista [https://www.statista.com/topics/4798/landscaping-services-in-the-us/]
- IBISWorld [https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/landscaping-services-united-states/]
- For Construction Pros [https://www.forconstructionpros.com/rental/article/22068588/lawn-landscaping-industry-outlook-positive-for-2022]
- NALP
- Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/02/11/the-3-biggest-future-trends-and-challenges-in-the-energy-sector/]
- NAWB [https://www.nawb.org/addressing-the-severe-worker-shortage-in-the-landscape-industry]
- Grand View Research [https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/landscaping-services-market-report]